Double Diamond: 100 Years of Umbro

Double Diamond is the story of Umbro, an ever-present figure in the development of modern football and the multi-billion-pound sportswear industry.

From Sir Geoff Hurst’s World Cup Final hat-trick to Sergio Agüero’s 2012 injury-time Premier League-winning strike, Umbro has featured in more iconic footballing moments than any other brand.

Football writer, kit collector and university academic Alex Ireland charts the Manchester sportswear firm’s 100-year existence, from its 1924 foundation in a Cheshire pub backroom to clothing 85 per cent of British clubs and half the World Cup finals teams by 1966.

You’ll discover the central role Umbro has played in the evolution of sportswear, the firm being a leader in the application of new technologies and innovations. From the invention of the replica kit in 1959 to supplying 11 teams in the inaugural 1992/93 Premier League season, Umbro has remained a key player amid the growing commercialisation and globalisation of the beautiful game.

From the Publisher

A 100-year illustrative history

This book charts the Manchester sportswear firm’s 100-year existence, from its 1924 foundation in a Cheshire pub backroom to clothing 85% of British football clubs and half the World Cup finals teams by 1966.

A well-researched collection

The author was given access to Umbro’s archives, which contains 100 years‘ worth of catalogues, garments and other unique artefacts.

Exclusive interviews

Features exclusive interviews with Umbro employees from across seven decades, as well as football and sportswear experts.

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Pitch Publishing Ltd; First Edition (12 Aug. 2024)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 224 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1801508844
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1801508841
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 17.6 x 1.78 x 24.61 cm